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The Dark Side of Bangkok in a Surreal Walking Tour

Visitors often see Bangkok as an enormous modern metropolis, full of expressways, massive department stores and skyscrapers, but there is another (more hidden) side which clearly shows the origins of a people who still believe in traditions from years gone by. Let the video introduce you to this ancient side of Bangkok.

From the Giant Swing we walk towards the ‘prison park’ which nowadays offers plenty of shade and a lot of activities for exercising locals. We get off the main road and explore narrow alleys and walkways, walk past 2-storey houses, open living rooms right on the street, home industries, and much more. We see gun-repair shops that have been around since the times of Bangkok’s first know serial killer, Si Quey.

Old neighbourhoods like these still have their ‘fresh’ market where lots of food products are sold every day. In some cases the food stalls are just extensions from the living rooms! Whether fresh fish, raw meat, fresh fruit, moslim martabak (delicious stuffed pancake) or Thai curries and desserts, it’s all available here.

Next we have a look at the city pillar, or Lak Muang. Many locals pay respect to the City Pillar Shrine and ask for good fortune and glory.

We leave the City pillar, cross Sanam Luang and walk through Bangkok’s biggest amulet market, near Wat Mahathat, between Maharat Road and the river. Hundreds of the faithful come here to find a Buddha that will bring good fortune, or ward off evil. The amulet market also features charms, talismans, and traditional medicine.

From here we go for a lunch with great views of the Chao Phraya River. Those with a fairly strong stomach can cross the river to visit the Siriraj Medical Museum for more ‘dark tourism’ insights.

Nam Nern Night Safari in northern Laos won the prestigious World Responsible Tourism Award at WTM London earlier this month. Khiri Travel Laos is a big fan of the community-based ecotourism product in the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area and congratulates the team with this recognition.

Often over-shadowed by better known Thai cuisine, Lao food offers visitors a really pleasant surprise. With a variety of local specialities very distinct from Thai, as well as different eating habits and styles, a traditional Lao meal can be a great experience.